1st Test Recap (Perth, Nov 21–22, 2025)
The series got off to an explosive, unforgettable start when Australia national cricket team hammered England cricket team by eight wickets — chasing down 205 inside just 28.2 overs on the second day. No need for the 3rd, 4th or 5th days!
England had elected to bat first and totalled 172, thanks largely to half-centuries from Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46), but their innings lacked depth. The home side’s attack — spearheaded by Mitchell Starc (7/58) and supported by Brendan Doggett (2/27) — ripped through England inside 32.5 overs.
Australia’s reply to that 172 was shaky: they were dismissed for just 132 in their first innings with Archer and Stokes doing the damage.
In England’s second innings they made 164 — decent but far from dominant. Once again Brook and Pope offered starts (Pope 33, Gus Atkinson top-scored with 37), but once the momentum ebbed, England lost their way.
The match-winner was Travis Head. Promoted to open, he smashed a blistering 123 from 83 balls — an innings so dominant it turned the match on its head within hours.
By tea on Day 2, England looked in complete control — 100-plus ahead and nine wickets in hand. What followed was a complete collapse. As one report put it, “another day of two halves.”
The pitch was later officially rated “very good” by the International Cricket Council (ICC), with consistent bounce and limited odd movement — suggesting the result was down to quality bowling and aggressive batting rather than poor conditions.
Australia’s bowlers and Head’s batting gave them not just a win, but a statement — and a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Looking Ahead: 2nd Test Preview (Brisbane, Day-Night at the Gabba from 4 Dec 2025)
Next up: a day-night Test at the The Gabba in Brisbane, starting Thursday December 4. Australia go in with the momentum — but the conditions will demand a different approach from both sides.
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What Australia might do
- The bounce and pace at the Gabba historically suit fast bowlers, giving Starc an ideal platform. Cummins and Hazlewood are still ruled out so back-up quick Brendan Doggett is likely to get another chance at the Gabba after he impressed on debut in Perth.
- The confidence from the Perth performance — both with ball and bat — can carry through. Head is the front-runner to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald after Usman Khawaja was ruled out after being unable to recover from a back complaint. Inglis likely to replace him in the XI.
- Australia’s bowling attack proved effective even without a full complement, and on Gabba bounce, they’ll be tough to handle if they get it right.
The challenge for England
- After their collapse under pressure in Perth, their squad selection and tactical choices will draw scrutiny. The spinner Will Jacks replaces fast bowler Mark Wood.
- Their batting lineup — even with promising names such as Root and Brook — must convert starts into big innings.
- Their bowlers will be tested by bounce and pace — and the day-night format adds the pink-ball variable. Discipline and control will be key for them.
The bigger picture
If England can steady the ship in Brisbane and put up a fight, there’s still time for this series to turn around. But Australia will feel confident they can pile on pressure. Head’s ton reminded everyone that the fourth innings — even chasing — can still belong to mastery and aggression.
In short: the 2nd Test promises a very different contest from Perth — and the 2025 Ashes is only just beginning.
FISO members are adding extra interest to watching the cricket action with their own Fantasy Ashes game. The top 10 after the 1st Test are:
1 yorkshiredragon 100
2 forestfan 75
3 kingcurtley 60
4 Spencer4 50
5 Jok57 40
6 Just A Kiwi 30
7 Geoffv 25
8 TheBigLewandowski 20
9 coryphaeus 15
10 blahblah 10